— Cairo (AFP)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced Monday his candidacy for a third term in office, ahead of December elections he is widely expected to win.
"As I have responded to the people's call before, I heed the call now and announce my intention to run and complete the dream in a new presidential term," Sisi, 68, told a cheering crowd in Egypt's new capital -- the crowning jewel of a megaproject in the desert east of Cairo.
State-aligned television showed thousands of people celebrating the announcement in ready-built stages across the country.
Earlier on Monday, rallies were held in Cairo calling for Sisi to declare his candidacy.
